A tanker task force was called to provide water as Chester County firefighters battled an Aug. 26 house fire in East Brandywine.
Numerous fire companies from Chester County were dispatched to the 100 block of Ridgewood Circle for reports of flames from the back deck of a home. The reporting party stated she couldn't breathe and they were evacuating.
Chief 49 (Edwards) from East Brandywine Fire Company arrived first and report heavy fire showing from the C-side of a 2 1/2-story, single-family home and requested the first-in engine to stretch a 2 1/2-inch line to begin fire attack.
Engine 49-5 arrived first and stretched to the C-side and began to make an exterior attack. Crews were advised of an exterior attack only due to the amount of fire already consuming the majority of the house and a lack of hydrants in the area.
Command requested a tanker task force be dispatched to help with water supply.
Ladder 49 arrived and set up in the driveway of the residence and prepared for master stream operations.
Due to the lack of hydrants in the area, crews ran out of water quickly and had to wait until a water supply was established.
A second alarm was transmitted and a total of nine tankers were brought to the scene. Crews set up Porta Tanks at the top of the street and were able to get a good water supply established within a few minutes.
Numerous handlines were stretched as well as master streams around the entire house.
All occupants were accounted for and uninjured.
Crews were on scene until the early morning hours and well over 100,000 gallons of water were used during the course of the fire.
Firefighters from East Brandywine, Glen Moore, Thorndale, Downingtown, Coatesville VA, Lionville, Honeybrook, Westwood, Keystone Valley, Ludwigs Corner, Po Mar Lin, West Bradford Fire Companies responded, along with EMS crews from Washington Hose Company and Brandywine Hospital Medic 93.
The Chester County Fire Marshal's Office and State Police Fire Marshal also responded to the scene.
